Human Genome Sciences said Thursday GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) will exercise its option to develop and commercialize LymphoStat-B, under a joint partnership agreement the two companies signed in 1996. Under terms of the agreement, the companies will split the costs of late stage clinical trials and share the costs of marketing the drug if it is commercialized. They will also share any profits from sales.

LymphoStat-B is an antibody in trials as both a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic inflammation that can affect many parts of the body. In April, Human Genome Sciences (NASDAQ:HGSI) of Rockville, Md., reported a phase-II clinical trial results that showed the drug was effective in reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A phase-II trial with SLE patients is scheduled for this fall.

Based in London, GlaxoSmithKline has its U.S. headquarters in Philadelphia.

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